Plan a day out exploring some of Devon’s prettiest flowers, lakes and sculptures at these gardens...
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington
Visit RHS Garden Rosemoor this year for their first ever Flower Show from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th August where you’ll see unique plants and beautiful flowers from some of the best West Country nurseries. You will also be able to tuck into some delicious food, from cream teas to BBQ food – yum! The garden is open from April to September (10am – 6pm) and October through till March (10am – 5pm). The RHS have recently added a new feature; they’ve planted the new orchard of heritage apples; where you will find apples perfect for eating, cooking and cider making.
Marwood Hill Gardens, Guineaford, Barnstaple
Take a trip to Barnstaple, the home or Marwood Hill Gardens, 20 acres of magical gardens and lakes. These gardens are only open from Monday 20th March to Saturday 30th September. Enjoy a warming cuppa with a light lunch or perhaps some cream teas at the Garden Tea Room, an award-winning café. On sunnier days soak in the summer sun and the breathtaking views in the outdoor seating area.
Overbeck’s, Sharpitor, Salcombe
A beautiful Edwardian House located in Sharpitor is known for its museum and sub-tropical gardens which are owned by the National Trust. The gardens are full of flourishing rare and exotic plants; walk through this Devon paradise and you’ll be welcomes by views over the scenic estuary. Stop off for lunch at the café and enjoy some delicious cream teas (cream then jam of course!)
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton
Visit Budleigh Salterton, the home of Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, one of Devon’s historical gardens. Situated in the breathtaking Otter Valley where you can spot some great wildlife; come along any time of the year (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day) from 10am and make sure you pick up a souvenir from the Bicton Shop to remember your trip by.
Northernhay Gardens, Exeter
Surrounded by history are the Northernhay Gardens in Exeter, one of the oldest public open spaces in England. After a day shopping in the bustling streets of the city enjoy a relaxing lunch at the gardens and soak in the sun in the summer. Northernhay is known to be a great location for some of Devon’s events throughout the year like the Exeter Food and Drink Festival, cinema in the park and more.
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Stone Lane Gardens Arboretum, Chagford
Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park are the Stone Lane Gardens, 5-acres of magical woodland. The gardens originally started back in 1971 by Kenneth Ashburner; they are famous for their national collection of Birch trees, Alder trees and their annual ‘Mythic Garden’ sculpture exhibition which this year opens on Sunday 11th June.
Located in Dalwood are 13-acres of East Devon’s secret gardens with a great tea room where you can enjoy delicious cream teas. Visit the Woodland Garden, one of the oldest parts of the garden home to mature Rhododendrons and ancient maple field; or perhaps the Millennium Garden which was created to celebrate the millennium in 2000. Also there’s the Rose Garden, full of Akebia quinda in spring and old fashioned roses in the summer and don’t miss the stone statue named ‘The Shy Maiden’. This Dalwood gem has so much more to offer so visit from 1st April to 31st October (10am-6pm) to see more.
Dartington Hall Estate and Gardens
Home to the nearly 2000 year old yew tree is the Grade II listed gardens of Dartington Hall Estate and Gardens. Open all year round from dawn till dusk, 7 days a week so come along and explore these stunning grounds. Take a romantic stroll along the unique bridge designed by Peter Randall–Page or visit the 13th century St Mary’s Church Tower.
Buckland Abbey, near Yelverton
Located near to Yelverton is the beautiful National Trust’s Buckland Abbey. Discover the secret wild garden at the cider house or take a walk with your four-legged friend on one of the way marked estate walks. Admire the River Tavy from the garden looking through the magical woodland.
